One Soda Daily May Raise Kidney Stone Risk

A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology reveals that people who drink soda or sugary drinks everyday have a higher risk of developing kidney stones compared to those to drink less sugary beverages. Although people who have had kidney stones in the past are told to drink more fluid, it seems that the specific type of fluid is an important component to this advice.

The Findings

People who reported drinking at least one sugar-sweetened soda per day had a 23 percent increased kidney stone risk compared to those who drank less than one of these beverages per week. A close runner-up was fruit punch. Those who drank more punch also have an 18 percent higher kidney stone risk than those who drank punch the least.

Averie, from Averiecooks.com has a delicious Chai-Spiced Triple Citrus Tea recipe that will have you putting down the soda. This Vegan and Gluten-free recipe integrates the warm spices of chai with the refreshing properties of citrus.

It only takes about 20 minutes to whip up 8 cups, which can easily be saved for later in the fridge. Averie incorporates pineapple juice or orange juice (we recommend a type which no added sugar), orange slices and lemon slices. She also creatively combines this with classic chai spices including cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Pop in a tea bag and some optional white wine and you’ve combined THREE of the ingredients that were shown to lower kidney stone risk. If you are craving a kick of sweetness, add natural sugar such as Organika’s Organic Coconut Nectar Syrup.